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New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services Shorelands Forms

The Shoreland Water Quality Protection Act (SWQPA) establishes minimum standards for the subdivision, use and development of shorelands adjacent to the state's public waterbodies within 250 feet of the shoreline, referred to as the Protected Shoreland. The Shoreland Program regulates the following within the Protected Shoreland:

  • Land-use impacts around the state's public waters.
  • Size, type, and location standards pertaining to structures.
  • Shoreland natural woodland and waterfront buffers in which vegetation removal is limited, as well as setback standards.
  • Non-conforming use, lot, and structure standards.
  • Limits on impervious surfaces.
  • Shoreland protection along rivers designated under RSA 483 (Designated Rivers).
  • The establishment of permit requirements for many new construction, excavation and filling activities.

The Shoreland Program provides multiple services to the public. Permitting staff review shoreland permit applications and waiver requests for compliance with the SWQPA. The review process is designed to provide a level of oversight for construction, fill, and excavation activities to ensure that projects are carried out in a manner that meet the minimum standards of the SWQPA and protect water quality. The Shoreland Program permit process includes Shoreland Permits-by-Notification for smaller projects and Shoreland Permit Applications for larger projects.

Contact Information

Address: NHDES Wetlands Bureau, Shoreland Program
29 Hazen Drive, PO Box 95
Concord, NH 03302-0095

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